FLINT, Michigan — He was an underdog up against a multimillion-dollar entity, but Tim Monahan wasn’t intimidated.

Like many well-intentioned residents who care for hundreds of Flint’s abandoned properties, Monahan was tired of years of pulling weeds and picking up trash on the empty lot next to his house.

Unlike many residents, the frustrated Carriage Town resident took action.

Legal action, that is.

He filed a lawsuit last year against the lot’s owner — Hurley Medical Center — and scored what he considers a pseudo-victory.

Perhaps most surprising, he did it alone.

A carpenter by trade without any formal legal training, Monahan represented himself through seven court sessions.

The suit was recently resolved, and even though Monahan didn’t get everything he demanded of Hurley, he’s astonished at what he was able to accomplish as one average resident up against a team of attorneys.

“I’m fighting a law firm from Grand Blanc hired by a hospital for a lot worth $100,” Monahan said. “They kept asking for dismissal and everytime kept getting denied. The fact that I kept it alive as long as I did amazed me.”

Through its spokeswoman, Hurley declined to comment on the outcome of the suit.

Monahan didn’t get the $4,100 he was asking for to cover costs he said he incurred by taking care of the lot. But the court ordered Hurley to come up with a plan for the Begole Street property, which they submitted in July.

The plan states that maintenance crews will continue to inspect the property for overgrown trees and shrubs and will monitor and remove any trash or debris on an ongoing basis.

Hurley also cut down an old utility pole at the site, a 66-by-138 feet lot adjacent to Monahan’s property.

“(Hurley) does not intend to neglect or ignore any of its properties, and will continue to observe the property in question to ensure that it is maintained in a safe condition.”

Carriage Town resident Nancy Sinclair said Monahan acted on the frustrations of many Flint homeowners. While some people in the area thought he shouldn’t ruffle any feathers, he focused a needed spotlight on the issue and the area, she said.

“He finally got some things solved,” said Sinclair, who is also a member of the Flint Historic District Commission. “Here’s a neighbor who’s just trying to help out the neighborhood.”

Monahan said he had tried to buy the lot several times over the years. The former parking lot is across the street from the old Heartland Manor, which also was owned by Hurley until it was turned over to the Genesee County Land Bank.

Monahan also wonders how much Hurley spent on defending the lot, which he estimates isn’t worth much. Hurley declined to comment on how much was spent on legal costs for this case.

Monahan considers Hurley’s plan of action for the lot a small victory.

“I wish we didn’t have to go this far,” he said. “I wish Hurley 10 years ago would have done what they’re supposed to do with a lot you own in a historic district.”